Executive Hire Show

The Executive Hire Show 2019 is Ready for Business

The Plant Hire industry is going from strength to strength following reports from the organisers of the Executive Hire Show 2019 (6-7 February Ricoh Arena Coventry).

During the annual exhibitor ‘Kick-Off’ meeting at the Ricoh Arena, which took place last week, the team reported that an impressive 159 exhibitors had already signed up for the 2019 Show and the event is now 90% sold.

EHS, Show Director, Craig Donovan said, “We expect that the Show will be fully sold out before the end of the year. We are also delighted to report that out of the 159 confirmed exhibitors - 18 of these will be making their show debut – which is confirmation of the confidence in the strength of the hire sector.”

The ‘Kick-Off’ meeting received a record attendance, with exhibitors both old and new taking time out of their busy schedules, to attend the event and listen to the EHS team talking about the ‘all new’ look for the 2019 show.

Now in its 13th year - the event organisers felt that the show needed a whole new look – and as moving venue was not an option – a complete redesign was proposed.

Craig reported, “We have a very successful show with loyal exhibitors and visitors. The event grows year on year and we have expanded into all of the available areas at the Ricoh and have even created new space. The outdoor exhibits have also grown in numbers. But we are not complacent and wanted to improve everyone’s experience of the event.”

Craig added, “We wanted to ‘refresh’ the show and move it forward – the Ricoh has become the ‘home of hire’ and our exhibitors have no desire to move venues. Therefore, as a team and working with our exhibitors, we have completely redesigned the show! The exhibitors have all moved stand location, which in itself has created a whole new look. We have also changed stand designers and colour schemes. We are confident that this new look and feel will create a better and more exciting experience for exhibitors and visitors alike – creating more footfall as visitors explore the new layout.”

Many of the exhibitors have increased their stand space including UK Caterpillar dealer Finning and access equipment manufacturer Snorkel UK. Armorgard Security Products have doubled the size of their plot and the show is also delighted to welcome excavator manufacturer Takeuchi back to the show after a two-year absence and construction machinery manufacturer Mecalac will also return.

There’s not a conference or a meeting currently taking place that does not mention the ‘B’ word and the EHS Kick-Off meeting didn’t shy away from the elephant in the room. Executive Hire News Editor, Alan Guthrie, spoke openly about Brexit – and how hire companies are not letting the harbinger of doom impact on business - and when the UK does leave the EU at 11pm (UK time) on 29 March 2019 – it won’t affect the hire market.

Alan said, “The hire sector has been unaffected by Brexit and is moving forward confidently regardless. Not only are hirers busy, but they are also expandingand are reporting record turnovers – we are dynamic and resilient industry and are ready for business!”

Attention then focused back on the show and it was announced that back by popular demand is the Innovation Trail. The trail was first launched in 2013 and innovation continues to be an integral part of the Show.

‘The Innovation Trail – Live! – is also making a return - where selected Innovation Trail products, which Judges consider to be particularly outstanding, will be exhibited on a specially branded stage area in Hall 2. Executive Hire Show’s Alan Guthrie explained the concept, he said, “Each chosen ‘Innovation Trail – Live!’ suppliers will be given a dedicated 10-minute slot to present and explain their product and talk to the audience through the products innovative qualities. These individual sessions will take place on the hour from 11am to 3pm during the two days of the Show. Paul Hutton, a radio, podcast and YouTube channel presenter, has once again agreed to host “Innovation Trail – Live!” He’ll interview each company’s representative live on the stage.”

Last and by no means least exhibitors and guests were reminded about the EHS 2018 series of industry Road Shows. The next being held in Cobham, Surrey on 18 October, followed by Haydock on 14 November and Bristol on 5 December.

At these popular events, hirers and suppliers can benefit from bargains available only on the day that could boost their business. As well as hearing presentations on key issues and trends, participants will network, catch up with existing contacts while making new ones, and generally get involved.

And these events are an exciting prelude to the Executive Hire Show. With Brexit scheduled to happen the following month, the timing could hardly be better, enabling hirers to explore new revenue opportunities, do deals and build a positive future. Make sure you are part of it!

Visit www.executivehireshow.co.uk for more details on the show, the Road Shows and a full exhibitor list Put the 6th and 7th February 2019 in your diary – and the EHS team look forward to welcoming you all to the Ricoh Arena – the home of hire!